NEW BRITAIN – Mayor Erin Stewart and developer Amit Lakhotia broke coconuts outside 480 Myrtle St. Tuesday, a traditional Indian ritual to ask for God’s blessing.
This marked the kickoff for the redevelopment of the former Stanley Tools factory, but also the ongoing transformation of the neighborhood itself.
The structure, built in 1947 on a one-acre lot, will be redeveloped into new housing. Construction is expected to take about one year.
Lakhotia’s company Avon Dream Housing purchased the 125,000 sq. ft. building for $2.5 million in February. Plans for future apartment-style housing “The Burritt” were unveiled during Tuesday’s kickoff event with city officials and construction manager T Long Construction.
“Thinking of names for the building, we decided to dedicate it to a New Britain native who fought for peace, Elihu Burritt,” Lakhotia said.
Burritt, who lived from 1810 to 1879, is remembered fondly as New Britain’s “Learned Blacksmith.” An American diplomat, writer and philanthropist, he authored 37 books and articles throughout his life and fought for the abolition of slavery and other humanitarian causes.
Lakhotia’s parents came from India for the official unveiling and all enjoyed traditional Indian food.
The ritual of breaking coconuts was a new one for Mayor Stewart, who happily took part.
“The city of New Britain is experiencing a renaissance like it hasn’t in decades,” Stewart pointed out. “It’s happening block by block…Amit shares that long-term vision that all of us see. He understands the direction we’re trying to go in.”
She also thanked city officials in attendance for their support.
“Support for projects like this one doesn’t happen without a robust team from the city,” Stewart added.
That included New Britain Economic Development Director Jack Benjamin, who shared the administration’s plans for the future of the neighborhood.
“Today not only represents the beginning of this important project, but also the redevelopment of the Myrtle Street area,” Benjamin said. “Thanks to a forward-thinking mayoral administration…we’re able to have projects like this happen today. Amit’s project will help bring viability back to the Myrtle Street corridor.”
Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at [email protected].
